“On the Menu” Interviews with Melinda Roodt & Cariema Isaacs

On the Menu, hosted by Anne & Peter Haigh, is an exciting weekly, one-hour program on the wide world of food, wine, travel & lifestyle. Sunday’s program featured two Penguin Random House South Africa authors: Melinda Roodt, author of The Classic South African Cookbook, and Cariema Isaacs, author of My Cape Malay Kitchen.

About the Books

The Classic South African CookbookThe Classic South African Cookbook is exactly that – classic home cooking for South Africans the way they eat now. In line with the country’s diverse cultures, which often blend most harmoniously in the the kitchen, this book is a kaleidoscope of modern lifestyle with influences from grandma’s kitchen, popular Mediterranean cuisine, as well as both Indian and African culture. But no matter what the roots may be, this book sets a foundation for good, honest, carefree home cooking, incorporating all the well-loved and familiar favourites. The more than 180 recipes have been refined to guarantee mouth-watering results, no matter the skill level. Only fresh ingredients are used, while the various techniques are carefully explained – a real boon to those just setting out on their culinary journeys. Best of all, every recipes is accompanied by a full-color photograph.

My Cape Malay KitchenMy Cape Malay Kitchen is a breathtakingly beautiful presentation of some 80 traditional Cap Malay recipes as well as a selection of modern dishes. These are accompanied by Cariema’s depiction of her childhood growing up in Bo-Kaap — the Cape Malay Quarter of Cape Town. She includes the religious and cultural ceremonies, as well as events that have shaped this unique community. But My Cape Malay Kitchen is still a cookbook; packed with flavourful food, richly spiced curries, indulgent cakes and decadent desserts, all illustrated with truly inspirational photography.